The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. Lao TzuThis week my homework for my Journey of Recognition photography class was to take pictures of something that I don't normally photograph. I am learning to be more comfortable behind the camera and I am recognizing what is important to me when I take pictures but I also know how uncomfortable I am having my picture taken. So I decided that the something unusal I would take a picture of would be me. As I was walking around the square, I looked into the window of a family owned Italian restaurant. I could see lovely plants, oil paintings for sale and me. I decided that this would be a great time to become more comfortable both in front of and behind the camera. As the quote above says,"The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." At first I was uncomfortable taking the picture but as I became more involved in what I was doing I forgot to be self-conscious. I am hoping that this first step will be just one of many in a long and interesting journey. Is there a first step you would like to take this week?

Ginny, this post resonates to me, not wanting to be photographed, let alone photographing myself. I admire you for taking that first step out of your comfort zone. Your photo is interesting to look at with the variety of things from plants, to street view, buildings, and YOU. The window reflection is such a creative way to take your picture. How fun!

Welcome to the world of self-portraits Ginny! I agree, it is a hard step to take but you did it in a beautiful way. I love that I can see you, but I am drawn in by the rest of the image too, all of the layers. I keep trying to sort out what is what! Great job getting out of your comfort zone.

I like the way those fresh green plants pull me in and lead me to you in your cheerful- coloured jacket. I like the way the reflection of the red and green plants also appears behind you! Good reflection shot and self portrait!

Fantastic reflection photo!!! I need to get my photo taken and I too am working on being more comfortable in front of the camera. I keep putting off taking the photo for all sorts of reasons, but I have a deadline coming soon, so I am going to have to get moving on it.

Oh I hate getting my picture taken, so well done you for doing this yourself. Your picture is lovely - I feel it is almost 3D in it's effect with the flowers in the foreground and the reflection of the cars in the back.

Ginny -- I admire your courage. As a photographer, I understand the comfort of being behind the camera:~)

This picture is so interesting. There's no much to see in it. The car reflection in the middle of potted plant, the buildings, the greenery and then, of course, you with your camera. Wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing it:~)